Farming trend researchers are poring over new federal data that only come around every five years. The latest information helps some organizations check the pulse of conservation efforts. This month, the USDA released the new Census of Agriculture. Initial reaction focused on the loss of farms around the country and consolidation within the industry.
Mike Lavender, policy director with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, says there’s also numbers detailing how much farmland is being used for climate-friendly practices. He noted there are some bright spots, but also room for opportunity.
“Some of the data that we’re seeing within the census reinforces for us that in so many ways it is about access to programs within USDA or information – making sure that we can use all of those avenues to drive adoption in the way that we know there is demand for,” Lavender explained.
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